I'm a college student at Portland State in Oregon. I am new to dieting and i have recently tried a stupid diet ans wasted money on it... I now understand that i have to do this the natural way!

After losing 5-6 lbs in the spring, i fell off the wagon completely and gained back 15lbs. I am ready to put in the hard work again. With a gym membership and the incentive to fit back into my old jeans.

The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on ...

I'm a college student at Portland State in Oregon. I am new to dieting and i have recently tried a stupid diet ans wasted money on it... I now understand that i have to do this the natural way!

After losing 5-6 lbs in the spring, i fell off the wagon completely and gained back 15lbs. I am ready to put in the hard work again. With a gym membership and the incentive to fit back into my old jeans.

The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. -Irving Berlin

I agree about getting a walk-in appt. rather than waiting 2 weeks! Sounds like you are having a tough time.

It's no wonder that your 19th was not a good birthday with your mom's and your b-days being back-to-back. But what a perfect way to brighten things by bringing the bunny rabbits into your life! Pets can really add great enjoyment to the day-to-day grind. We used to be dog owners, but now we're down to just one hamster and 5 fish! :-)

Spending Thanksgiving with your boyfriend and his family sounds like a fun time! They will be able to sample your pumpkin pie! It isn't too difficult...I bet yours will turn out beautifully and taste great! You're right, they put SO much sugar into the store-bought ones.

Thanksgiving dinners: yeah, I'm pretty sure all the major food stores offer this service. You get a whole roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce. Of course, it's still never as good as "homemade", but comes pretty darn close! LOL

Best of luck getting an earlier appointment, Antonea! And have a great day!

I wanted to get back to you as soon as I read your message last night, but my hubby and DD2 wanted me to watch a movie with them - Saturday movie night! LOL

I'm so sorry about your mother, Antonea. I had no idea. You have had to grow up really fast this past year, a terribly difficult task to be faced with. Your plans after graduation, to save up enough money and visit the Great Wall of China will be a wonderful tribute to your mom! Yes, after all your hard work at school, you would more than deserve a special trip like that!

Can asthma be aggravated by stress? With school work load, etc. I'm not familiar with the condition, but I know that many health problems are exacerbated or even caused by stress-related issues. That is strange, after all this time, to all of a sudden start getting serious asthma attacks. I hope you're able to get some relief!

Will be spending Thanksgiving with father, plus my sister and brother, their spouses and kids. My dad has gotten into ordering the pre-prepared turkey with all the trimmings. Less work for everybody! How about you? Any plans for the holiday?

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE UP!! You are doing so well! Take it easy because you do not want to complicate your asthma any further, so for now I would follow the nurse's orders and keep the exercise light. Remember that you DO have the ability to control your eating, so definitely stick to the Spark recommended range (and make a note of your fitness situation in case it needs to adjust). Fuel it with healthy stuff! GIRL, YOU CAN DO THIS!! Your sparkpage title is DETERMINED- let's show that asthma whos boss!!

Happy November (already!!! Hard to believe!)! And CONGRATULATIONS for acing that midterm!

I'm afraid we will not be planning any Hawaii trips in the near or distant future...like you mentioned, airline ticket prices are sky high, and because I'm so out of touch with my relatives on the islands, I'd feel funny staying with them, so we'd have to do hotels. And I'm sure hotel costs are astronomical over there!

It is sad...and I'd love for my husband and kids to meet the Hawaii relatives! But you never know, Antonea! Anything is possible or at least, I like to think that. Maybe you will get to meet up with your Vegas friend in Hawaii and maybe my sister and I will plan some crazy reunion on that over-populated little rock!!!